Alice Dufton

Whilst studying, several different areas of law took my interest and specifically I was drawn to litigation and employment law. Therefore, I was looking to find a firm that not only had a good reputation in these areas but was also well rounded enough to give me training and experience in other areas of law during my training contract.

Buckles met all my criteria and more. It is one of the leading firms in Peterborough and has strong listings in the Legal 500 for both commercial departments and private client. The Legal 500 has also singled out several partners of the firm as ‘leading individuals’ and in 2007 Managing Partner, Colleen Gostick, won the prestigious East of England Business Woman of the Year award for her leadership in the development of Buckles and its progression in the market place.

My first seat was in Commercial Property and from day one everyone, from partners to the secretaries, made me feel really welcome. I was given responsibility early on and had my own files to run which enabled me to have a high level of client contact which I did not expect to have so soon. I also assisted partners on several bigger cases. The partners in the department afforded me dedicated supervision and their open door policy made them accessible and approachable.

My next seat is going to be with the dispute resolution department and I anticipate that it is going to be fairly dynamic and fast paced, giving me the opportunity to go to court, meet with barristers and assist in mediation and arbitration and well as working on big departmental cases. I know that the team will be just as supportive as the last one and I look forward to continuing my training with further varied and challenging work.

Azad Miah

My first impressions of Buckles Solicitors LLP convinced me that this was the right Firm for me. The interview process proved decisive after I had visited the offices and left with a perception of an approachable culture with a commercial edge. The firm has a very corporate feel and yet remains friendly and hospitable.

My current seat is in Employment and I have the luxury of working directly alongside the Head of Department. I have experienced completing tasks of both contentious and non-contentious nature acting predominantly for employers and I am the first point of contact for a number of client matters. I have received substantial exposure to clients and counterparts through routinely attending client meetings. This is an aspect which I believe other firms do not provide to trainees.

My next seat is in the Commercial Property department. I have already been informed that this seat will be as hands on as the last and that I will be given the opportunity to manage my own files in addition to assisting on matters within the team. I am certainly looking forward to the further responsibility that I will be given although it is comforting to know that my work will be closely tutored by a Partner in the department.

The firm adopts an open door policy that enables trainees to learn from the number of high calibre lawyers. One aspect that I am particularly impressed with is the firm’s dedication to marketing initiatives. I have already been involved in networking events and in house seminar presentations and I appreciate that the experience I learn from such attendances will be invaluable in developing the softer skills required to be a good lawyer. The firm appreciates that trainees require exposure to the many different aspects of a lawyer’s role and this is clearly demonstrated here.

The personable and approachable nature of the fee earners and other staff members has made me feel valued and this is an important quality when on a Traineeship. I also feel that I am able to play an active role in the structure and implementation of my training contract and several of my suggestions have led to positive amendments to ensure I receive the best out of my time at the Firm.

In addition to providing me with the ideal platform in which to develop my skills, the firm is continually expanding. The times are very exciting at Buckles and it is comforting to know that the firm views its trainees as an investment in its future.

Steven Burton

Right from my first interview, I was struck with how dynamic and ambitious the Firm is. Now as a trainee I also feel that balanced alongside this professionalism is a very cordial atmosphere. The friendliness and approachability of people in the Firm helps to make you feel very much part of team. A team that is focused on providing solutions.

As a trainee you will receive guidance and advice from the experienced practitioners who encourage you to continually develop and appraise your skills. I have found the firm is eager to provide challenging work and invest in my training.

My first seat in Private Client has proved particularly challenging but at the same time extremely rewarding. The department has exposed me to not only to probate work but also the complex areas of trusts and tax. I have been made to feel at home in what is a very friendly department and the varied work I have been provided with is always matched by a high level of support.

Trainees are actively encouraged to get involved in all aspects of firm life from training days to social events. Moreover there is a strong marketing department that provides trainees with the opportunity to develop client contacts from the outset. It is for all these reasons that I am enjoying my training contract and am eagerly looking forward to my next seat.